A notice that you're being evicted. Unexpected divorce papers. Documentation informing you that your wages will be garnished. Civil complaints. Summonses. Subpoenas. If you've ever received one of these, you're familiar with that awful, sinking feeling that you get when someone knocks on your door and hands you a sheaf of paper. 

Another unwelcome court order is a Protection from Abuse order. Also known as a PFA order or simply a PFA, a Protection from Abuse order has the potential to radically alter—some would even say "ruin"—your life. 

Are you in urgent need of legal help after receiving notice that you're named in a PFA? The LLF Law Firm Family Law Team can help. Get started by calling 888.535.3686 or by filling out this contact form.   

First Things First—Understanding a PFA 

One thing to know about a PFA order is that its name is something of a misnomer. This court-issued writ could be better titled "Protection From Communication" because that's exactly what it provides to the abused or allegedly abused party (the plaintiff). A PFA stipulates that the alleged defendant is prohibited from making any kind of contact whatsoever with the plaintiff. This includes (but is not limited to) communication by: 

• Telephone 
• Text messaging 
• Messaging apps of any type, e.g., Facebook Messenger or Slack 
• Social media sites, such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, or X 
• Sending a physical letter or any other material via USPS 
• Asking a mutual friend to pass on a message 
• A deliberate in-person encounter, whether the defendant approaches the plaintiff's home, office, or other location, they are known to frequent or take steps to "run into" the victim at a public event or in a public space 

In short, there is no legal way for a PFA holder to contact the person who petitioned for the order.  

The Legal Consequences 

Another very important aspect of PFAs is that while they are civil in nature—having been initiated by an individual, not by the courts—violating a PFA can result in criminal charges. These could mean punishment of up to six months in jail and/or a $1000 fine—at minimum. 

After receiving a PFA, you will be obliged to attend a hearing. During this hearing, a judge will determine whether the order should be temporary or permanent. It also represents the only opportunity you'll have to go before a judge to explain your innocence or provide evidence.  

This hearing is not unlike a trial. It's in your best interest to be as prepared as possible going into court. The most important step, bar none, is having an attorney by your side. 

Just because you've been served with a civil notice doesn't mean you won't also face criminal charges stemming from whatever incident was the impetus of this entire situation. Depending on what transpired, that could mean domestic battery charges or a whole host of others. 

The "Civil" Consequences 

Setting aside the possibility of being criminally charged, convicted, and incarcerated for a moment, you must also understand the collateral damage a PFA order can do. That includes but isn't limited to: 

• Losing your home if you cohabitate with the accuser 
• Being required to move, if you live separately, to be in compliance with your PFA 
• Losing your job, if you and your accuser work at the same place 
• Having difficulty finding a new job 
• Child custody and visitation rights 
• Relinquishing any firearms you own 
• Psychological issues stemming from anger, shame, regret, or grief 
• Experiencing a decline in your physical health and well-being 
• Becoming persona non grata with a ruined reputation 

How to Mount A Strong Defense After Being Served A PFA Order 

The LLF Law Firm Family Law Team understands how devastating it can feel to receive a PFA. As a result, they're dedicated to making sure their clients get all the due process to which they're entitled under Pennsylvania law, no matter what circumstances prompted the complaint and consequent court order. 

Contact them to discuss your case—and to come up with a plan for the best possible outcome. Call 888.535.3686 or click here.